The Rovers boss has had no qualms selecting the likes of Calvin Zola (left) and Iain Hume ahead of old hands Eugene Dadi and Gary Jones.

The youngsters have impressed as a strike partnership in Tranmere's last two games, with both finding the back of the net against Sheffield Wednesday. And with Chris Dagnall also pushing for a place, the manager believes the future looks bright.

Little said: "Calvin is 19, Iain Hume is 20 and Chris Dagnall is 18. So far those three have been the main strikeforce. At the moment they are making me want to pick them. It's terrific for the club to have strikers of that pedigree at that age. We are pinning a lot of our hopes on our young people."

Little acknowledges the young forwards still have much to learn, but is confident they can respond to the challenge of powering Rovers' promotion challenge this season..

The manager added: "There is a hell of a lot of improvement to come in these young lads because they have so much to learn. With young players you can pick out things which they can take on board and improve, whereas when you get to 27 or 30, you are what you are."

* Gary Jones was on target for Tranmere reserves, but couldn't prevent them from losing 2-1 to Pontins Holidays League Premier Division champions. Stoke City.

Tranmere produced some excellent football without being able to put pressure on former Prenton Park keeper Steve Simonsen.

A late goal eventually tipped the balance Stoke's way, but Tranmere coach John McMahon said: "We were unlucky to lose. It was a good all round performance."

Tyrone Loran, Gary Jones and David Beresford completed the full 90 minutes in what was otherwise a very young side.

Carl Tremarco was given a run-out in the last half-hour in place of Paul Brown and Oliver James got on for the closing minutes after Joe Fowler was taken off.

Stoke took the lead after only six minutes with Jermaine Palmer beating Russell Howarth from 20 yards. Tranmere went unrewarded until the 62nd minute when Chris Dagnall's shot came back off a post and Jones was on hand to find the target.

It seemed odds-on for a draw, but Rovers were caught out from a free-kick on 87 minutes with Carl Asaba netting into the top corner.